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Puddletown Saint wrote:
This partnership could be even better if some of our talented kids who are not ready for the first team can be loaned out to Eastleigh. Playing in the Blue Square South would be a great challenge for career development and if they do not shine here then may be they will not make it. Players like Hoskins Sinclair and Stephens.

Roll on Wednesday.

I agree should be of mutual benefit for both clubs.i think AARON MARTIN played for Eastleigh before signing for us.Talking of him does anyone no if he is injured.I don't think he has featured for Crystal Palace for awhile."

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Saints link up with Eastleigh

SAINTS have struck up a new partnership with non-league neighbours Eastleigh.

Starting with the visit of Newcastle United on Monday, December 17 (7pm), Saints will be playing some of their Barclays Under-21 Premier League fixtures at Eastleigh’s Silverlake Stadium home in Stoneham Lane.

Additionally, the two clubs’ youth programmes will share ideas on how to develop local youth football.

Eastleigh boss Richard Hill said: “This is a positive move for the club and says a lot about Eastleigh and where we are going that Southampton approached us.

“We have a Premier League club on our doorstep and it is imperative we have strong links and be in pole position when any mutually beneficial opportunities arise in the future.

“Likewise we want to have close links with as many local clubs as possible.”

Les Reed, executive director of Saints’ Football Development & Support Centre, hailed Saints’ new agreement with the Blue Square Bet South promotion hopefuls.

“This is a great opportunity for our two clubs to form a relationship which benefits football in and around the Southampton community,” he said.

Saints’ under-21s are battling for a place in the Elite Group Stage of the Professional Development League and will play more home games at the Silverlake after Christmas.

They currently play in one of three National Groups which consists of the 22 teams who applied for Category One status under the Premier League’s Elite Player Performance Plan.